The Capitals have had tremendous success in drafting netminders these last few years with names like Semyon Varlamov, Michal Neuvirth, Braden Holtby, and Philipp Grubauer. Last year they drafted Norwegian goalie Steffen Soberg in the 4th round, who was a long shot to make the NHL. He declined to play for the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) and was dealt from the less-than-mediocre Manglerud Star team to a more powerful Valerenga squad and signed a multi-year deal there. Knowing that, the Caps may think they need to add one more goalie to their depth chart. If they’ll be looking to do it early, there are three pretty equal goalies.

So who might be available at the number 11 or 16 spots?

Photo credit: Jana Chytilova/IIHF

Oskar Dansk, Brynas, SEL, 6’2″, 187 lbs. Dansk, the second European goalie in the CSS rankings, is known for instincts and skill. He didn’t play in Elitserien last year, competing instead for the Brynas’ affiliate in SuperElit league, but he’s expected to get lots of playing time next season. One thing he needs to improve is his rebound control which becomes more and more important as scoring drops off in the NHL.

Andrei Vasilevski, Salavat Yulaev, KHL, 6’3″, 190 lbs. Just like Dansk, Vasilevski, who turned heads at the WJC in Canada, didn’t get any major league experience this season. But it seems like Vasilevski won’t wait for his chance in Russia. “I’m ready to go up and down to the AHL to make the NHL. […] There’s almost zero interest from Salavat in me,” said Vasilevski, even though his KHL team doesn’t look set in goal yet.

Malcolm Subban, Belleville Bulls, OHL, 6′ 1″, 188 lbs. The Little brother of Habs’ defenseman PK Subban, Malcolm has a lot of talent. Perhaps tied with Vasilevski, Subban might benefit from no “Russian factor.” Despite his average size, he’s quick and flashy. As many smaller goaltenders, he has problems while screened and against top-shelf shots.